Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits vs Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star SpiritsCanadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandCanada
TypeSingle MaltCorn
ABV60.9%45.8%
Age7 yr8 yr
Price£39.95£36.95
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

Smoke65/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £37 vs £40.

For beginners: Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£39.95 vs £36.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£36.95 vs £39.95)
  • +Longer maturation (8 vs 7 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Canadian?

Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

SmokeyKipperySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

VanillaHoneyNew WoodFresh FruitCooked Mash

Where to buy

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2013 - North Star Spirits

Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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